Visitors to the Prairie

[RobS]

I always enjoy when company stops over. We had a couple of visitors this evening. Unfortunately, they didn't stay long. Seemed a bit timid around my camera. Maybe I need to offer some appetizers next time?

I assume these are either hens or juveniles, does anyone know?

 

[jinman]

Nice photos Rob! I believe all the turkeys are hens. The toms have a much redder wattle (flesh on neck) and snood hanging from the beak. In a tom, they are normally much more developed. Even young toms that size would have a short beard at least 1" long. The toms also would have iridescent green and blue feathers on their lower backs. Hens are kinda dull brown.

Your visitors certainly are healthy looking. The condition of the feathers is often a good indicator of the health of the entire bird.

 

[RobS]

Thanks for the insight Jim. Turkeys have become much more common around here in the past few years. This morning the same two were scrounging below the birdfeeders. One was up on the picnic table, almost begging for some handouts.

 

[RobS]

Well, look who shows up today in the rain. Now it's easy to see who's who...

 

[jinman]

Well, look who shows up today in the rain. Now it's easy to see who's who...

Now that's a handsome fellow. Maybe you'll get to see him strut when the hens show up. They can make themselves look two or three times bigger with all their feathers in full display.

 

[mikim]

I love the way he has his head stretched up looking around ..... with it like that -- should be able to keep too many pieces of shot from hitting meat ... just take his head off. Now where did I leave my 12 ga?....